Cleveland Browns announce new radio home

WTAM no longer is "the station with all the balls," as their radio slogan has boasted since 1999 when the Browns returned to the NFL as an expansion team.

On Thursday morning the Browns announced they have entered into a "long-term partnership" with CBS Radio affiliate 92.3 The Fan FM and ESPN Radio WKNR 850 to broadcast all Browns games. WNCX, 98.5, will also carry games.

The story of the move from WTAM/WMMS was first reported by The News-Herald on Wednesday. WTAM, AM 1100, will continue broadcasting Indians and Cavaliers games.

Jim Donovan will continue doing play-by-play and Doug Dieken will remain as the color analyst. Jamir Howerton of the Browns will continue as the sideline reporter.

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"This model is one of the most expansive and innovative radio rights deals in the NFL and our fans will benefit the most," Browns President Alec Scheiner said. "Not only do we want to greatly enhance the game day experience for our fans at the stadium, but we also want to give everyone who tunes in to our game broadcasts as many options as possible. We have heard from our fans how much they enjoy listening to Jim and Doug bring them all of the game action each week, and we are ecstatic that they will continue to be the 'voices' of the Browns."

Plans for the new set-up include more than 1,000 hours of Browns-related material annually, which is more than double what had previously been offered. WKNR plans a four-hour pregame show. 92.3 The Fan will carry a two-hour postgame report. The two stations will dive into their new roles with extensive coverage of the NFL draft next month.

"The Cleveland Browns are at the core of the passion of the Cleveland sports fan, so this partnership will provide official Browns programming and live play by play that our fans crave," said Good Karma Broadcasting Founder and CEO Craig Karmazin of WKNR. "We are elated to partner with the Browns and CBS Radio to give fans unparalleled access, entertainment and information at a time when interest in the NFL and the Cleveland Browns has never been higher."

A weekly coach's show which will air on both stations, in addition to a weekly preview show that will be carried on WKNR. "Cleveland Browns Daily," which is hosted by Vic Carucci and airs on WKNR Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 p.m., will be expanding to a two-hour format at a time that will be announced in the near future.

"We couldn't be happier that 92.3 The Fan and 98.5, WNCX will help bring the excitement of Cleveland Browns football to fans across Northeast Ohio for many years to come," said CBS Radio Cleveland Senior Vice President and Market Manager Tom Herschel. "92.3 The Fan is committed to delivering the highest quality programming and putting fans in the center of the action both on and off the field. Our stations are looking forward to carrying on that tradition with the Cleveland Browns."